The Board of Health held a public forum on March 6 at town hall to seek input from residents about fluoride in drinking water. The topic was raised by chairperson Melissa Braga at a Board of Health meeting several months ago.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear. The discovery of fluoride’s impacts dates back to the early 1900s when communities with inherently high levels of fluoride in their drinking water had teeth that were discolored, but highly resistant to decay.
It should be noted that fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which is found in trace amounts in food, water and foods prepared with water.
Braga opened the discussion by saying that in 1984 there was a vote in town to add fluoride to the public drinking water supply — 6,196 votes for and 3,994 opposed. Tewksbury’s water is currently fluoridated between 0.6 and 0.8 ppm (parts per million), with a target of 0.7 ppm per the US Department of Health and Human Services recommendations.
The town spends $16,000 per year on fluoride, added in the form of hydro fluorosilicic acid. The town monitors its fluoride levels and submits reports regularly as required to the state.
This information was provided by the Water Department and included in the Board of Health’s presentation.
Braga referenced a 2019 study in Canada which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study reviewed maternal exposure to fluoride during pregnancy resulting in lower IQ, concluding “the possible need to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.”
Additional materials were referenced such as the FDA classifying fluoride as a drug, and a study of meta data of multiple studies from other countries showing an inverse relationship of IQ and fluoride dose, though at levels higher than the EPA’s current recommendation.
The public comment section opened with residents sharing views; some for removal and some against.
Two residents spoke for the removal of fluoride from the drinking water, with mentions of conditions that can occur with the excess consumption of fluoride such as fluorosis, as raised by resident Patrick Wood.
Resident Amy Lukovich felt that fluoride should be something people add if they want it, leaving it as a personal choice.
Three residents spoke against the removal of fluoride, citing scientific evidence that water fluoridation causes no harm at recommended levels. Resident Dustin Weir complimented the board on watching emerging studies about fluoridation, but said there is no consistency in the findings of said studies. Weir also discussed the cost of purchasing fluoride supplements (toothpaste, rinse, dental visits) against the minimal cost per resident of fluoride in the water.
Vulnerable residents may not have access to even the most basic items, as SNAP benefits do not cover toothpaste.
April McCreary, who holds a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, cited a study from Calgary, Canada where fluoride was removed and then added back to the public water supply after a significant number of cavities, hospitalizations and other health impacts occurred. Resident Bruce Panilaitis, who holds a PhD in biology, expressed concern about removing “the single most effective public health initiative in the last 100 years.”
Panilaitis felt the board should have provided the studies they were citing prior to the discussion.
Weir asked the board to explain the purpose and end goal of the discussion.
Braga said, “We’re considering discussing what the next steps would be.”
In board member comments, Braga read a statement suggesting that the money spent on fluoride might be redirected elsewhere in town “instead of medicating an entire community.”
(Note: water enterprise funds are only for water related expenditures.)
Member Chris Janeczak said that all comments submitted will be read.
There was some vigorous discussion at the end of the session, with audience members questioning the credentials of the board relative to making a public health decision. Member George Ferdinand said he “believes regulation is choking our country.”
Braga welcomed anyone to submit comments to her at mbraga@tewksbury-ma.gov and that all opinions will be read and shared. She ended by saying if anyone wished to make a FOIA request and were somehow concerned about her sharing everything, she would comply.
The board has set up a page on the town website for all public comments to be viewed and mentioned studies to be posted. https://www.tewksbury-ma.gov/941/Fluoride
The Board of Health is an elected board in the town, separate from the health department which is part of the municipal operation of the town.
Original article online at: https://homenewshere.com/tewksbury_town_crier/news/article_06ba5d57-501b-4d70-b5f2-40e0e927e061.html